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Putting Down Roots: What to Do After Establishing Your Business

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StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Establishing your business|Putting Down Roots: What to Do After Establishing Your BusinessStarting a business is hard work. You have to get used to the routine of constantly checking every aspect to ensure that it is ready for operations and then oversee them continuously until they can operate with minimal supervision.

That process can easily take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on your chosen industry’s complexity. Once you get used to that kind of hectic schedule, transitioning to a calmer one can be difficult because you might feel something is missing from your daily routines.

When that day finally comes, what you need to do is fill the void with another activity. All the hard work you placed in creating your business has finally paid off, so now you can focus on the other parts of your life, such as a family, house, car, or even more business. The choice is yours to decide.

Start a Family

When you’ve found your footing in the business world, you will have more time on your hands to focus on your future. This will be the perfect time to start a family if that is what you want, especially because you no longer have to worry about your business getting off the ground.

Building a family takes hard work, and stable finances, particularly because raising a kid can be expensive. You will need to spend on milk, diapers, vitamins, and other baby needs. And when they get a little older, you will need to send them to school.

The responsibility of being a parent lasts well into your children’s adulthood or until they can stand on their own two feet without your assistance. That’s why you need to be financially, physically, and mentally prepared to support them before you go and start a family.

Buy a House

Many first-timehomebuyersoften consider taking a government-insured mortgage from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) because it requires low minimum credit scores and down payments. This is in comparison to what conventional loans from banks would require from aspiring homeowners.

Taking out an FHA home loan will allow you to have fixed interest rates over a 15 or 30-year term plan, which is more practical considering the risks of running a business. Of course, you will still need to undergo an application process like applying for a conventional loan, but the terms are better in your favor.

With this, you won’t have to worry about the housing market factors affecting the interest you need to pay because it’s already fixed over the course of your mortgage plan. You can efficiently manage your finances, both personal and entrepreneurial while enjoying your new home.

Get a Car

There’s nothing that signals success more than investing in yourself. All that hard work that you put into establishing your business has finally sprouted fruits in the form of financial freedom. When you finally have enough saved up to buy yourself something expensive, maybe you should consider getting a car.

A car may not be a necessity because you can always use public transportation to get to where you need to go, but it can be more convenient for you. Besides, having the ability to buy a car is a fruit of your labor, so you deserve the convenience and prestige of being a car owner.

Think about it. You won’t have to go through the hassle of rush hour commuting or making sure that you have enough spare change to pay for public transportation. You also won’t have to deal with rude cab drivers when you’re late or with inappropriate passersby who steal the taxi you hailed.

Expand Your Business

If you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on yourself, then you can always put it towards expanding your business. You can branch out to other markets, industries, or business endeavors. Another way is to scale your business so that you can cater to a wider target audience.

All business owners know that to grow money, you will first have to have money. You can’t decide to expand your business if you don’t have the resources to make it happen. But now that you do, it’s the perfect time to see just how far your business can go.

You might be surprised at your business’s potential, which you wouldn’t have been able to see without the additional funding. Building a business doesn’t end with getting it up and running; rather, it has to be continuously grown and developed to rise to the top of your industry.

There are so many things that you can do after finally getting your business to take off. You can choose among all the options stated above, or you can do them simultaneously. But make sure that you don’t put too much on your plate at the same time because that can be really overwhelming.

An Overview: Agile and Enterprise Architecture

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StrategyDriven Project Management Article |Agile Architecture|An Overview: Agile and Enterprise ArchitectureAgile project management is basically a philosophy that accompanies a way of working. It goes beyond the simple process because it encompasses a way of understanding how our work, our organization, our way of interacting and responding to stakeholders has changed.

Many large multinationals already have it integrated and it is part of their culture, and more and more organizations are doing the same. It is not a fad; it is not something that can pass you by, because it has fit into a changing, demanding and information overdose environment. You have to know how to be agile, flexible and decisive. The smart working is something that has come and hopefully to stay.

Agile origin

Back in 2001, what we know today as the Agile Manifesto was born, by the hand of several American CEOs of the technology sector (software) and they decided to combine various ideas to propose an alternative to the slow working methods that were not responding to the current ones needs, before your organization and your customers. They put together new ideas and formulas to come up with what they understood could help, through continuous improvement.

The goal was to improve quality, productivity, engagement, and be fast.

What is agile?

As you can see, it is a methodology that aims to modify many of the internal processes of organizations to improve performance and productivity.

How does Agile architecture add value to the business?

In this article we are going to see how architecture is changing in practice. From going from being a mainly technical discipline to new approaches such as participating in strategic business issues, that is, helping traditional companies compete with digital disruptors.

Agile architecture is based on the 360 ??customer vision as the core of any digital design and strategy. Enterprise-level architecture supports the strategic themes and portfolio vision by understanding the portfolio backlog, product vision, and roadmap.

The new approach to architecture makes it possible to offer companies innovative digital models and technologies.

  1. Based on the order book and vision, we have to analyze which solution or platform should be new and which solution or component should be reused in order to optimize cost.
  2. Based on the IT digital strategy , the choice of the new technology has to be decided according to the requirements of the company.
  3. The enterprise architects are the bridge between management product portfolio and high – level view of enterprise solutions and development initiatives. For example, collecting, generating, designing and analyzing innovative ideas and technologies to use in the vision of the product portfolio.
  4. Support the evaluation of the solution in terms of cost benefit in the ecosystem and aligned with the business strategy, stakeholders and portfolio requirements.
  5. Support the implementation of the proposed design , that is, work closing the solution architects within the Agile teams during the delivery of the product, CI and CD and DevOps. Being a reality what was designed and being in practice the business and digital strategy.

We can also optimize the budget and profitability of the product or digital asset as part of the investment in technology and support the business vision and the delivery of the product.

Agile architecture features in practice

Architects play a horizontal connector role as they often combine a technical foundation with business acumen and communication skills.

In this age of rapid change, we need architects who can act as mentors and bridges between project teams, between domains and between different layers of the organization, and with strong technical skills as well. It is a combination of business and technical knowledge.

The roles of Agile architecture distinguish the responsibilities between the architect company, the architect of solutions and systems architect. They collaborate at different levels of the business and service domains. In practice, it means:

  • Enterprise Architects Tool are the bridge between product portfolio management and the high-level vision of enterprise solutions and initiatives under development. They participate in strategic themes, portfolio vision, product roadmap, and portfolio backlog, working together with the venture owner and other stakeholders (see image below). EA collects, generates, designs and analyzes innovative ideas and technologies to use in the vision of the business portfolio.
  • The solution architect and system architects are part of an Agile team. They are part of a tribe or squad to participate directly in the implementation of the solution or the delivery and deployment of the product. They provide the technical design of each case in the delivery of the product.
  • There are some architectures, such as data architecture, security architecture, and enterprise architecture, that are part of the shared services hub. These roles are also considered solution architects and technicians.

Hire an Attorney and Know Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article |Pedestrian Accident Injuries|Hire an Attorney and Know Common Pedestrian Accident InjuriesOne of the most devastating things about being involved in a pedestrian accident can be getting hurt or losing a loved one. No matter the circumstances, an accident can be distressing, especially when the cause is somebody’s wrongful act or negligence.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the United States foresees one person’s death every two hours due to a pedestrian accident. Around 2 million pedestrians are injured in this particular accident every year, resulting in severe injuries. Children, 5-9 years- old boys’ and the elderly are the most exposed to pedestrian accidents and suffer from catastrophic injuries.

Hit by a car? Well, you might be wondering if it’s possible to sue someone for hitting you with their car? Motor vehicle collisions can be devastating, and many families now file for compensations to cover the costs of damage. And, why not? If you or your loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you want to take action for holding the other party responsible for their negligence. The accountability process becomes smoother when you hire an experienced attorney for your case. Law firms know what it takes to bring you justice.

Some of the most common types of injuries sustained by pedestrians after encountering a car accident are:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries:

What happens when you get hit by a car? One of the most common injuries that pedestrians incur is traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define TBI as the disruption in normal brain functioning due to blow, bump, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury. The pedestrian accident attorney emphasized the head and brain injuries as the most life-altering. Some of the most common symptoms include dizziness, sensitivity, mood swings, depression, anxiety, coordination losses, and fluid leaking from the ear. Studies show that three million people visit emergency centers seeking treatments for TBIs, and that includes more than 837,000 injured children.

  • Broken bone and fractures:

These are other common injuries in automobile collisions. Pedestrians fracture their wrists, shoulders, back, legs, arms in accidents. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shed light on the variation in fracture severities. Some severe bone breaks are known to occur, including compound fractures where the broken bones puncture through the skin. A person may suffer a complete or partial bone fracture and are most likely to cause long-term problems requiring amputations, in some cases.

  • Injuries in Soft Tissues:

Many injuries are known to involve soft tissues. These may be bruises, tears, dislocations, lacerations, and sprains. While many tissues heal with a little medical intervention, many others can cause pain and keep sufferers from engaging in everyday activities. Thus, soft tissue injuries can leave victims with scarring and other permanent issues, impacting their emotional well-being.

  • Pelvic Injuries:

Pelvic injuries are difficult and challenging to treat. These types of damages are so common in pedestrian accidents- all thanks to the average car hood’s shape. These hit in the right spot during immediate contact with the pedestrian.

  • Internal Injuries:

Medical professionals claim these injuries as the worst type since they are difficult to spot, let alone treating them in the first instance. Internal organ injuries, brain bleeds, rib fractures require immediate treatments. Some of these injuries may not show symptoms first, but the adrenaline may still run high.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries:

The spinal cord injuries can have life-threatening repercussions. Spinal cord is the part that transmits signals between the body and the brainA person’s ligaments, discs, vertebrae in a spinal cord or spinal column can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.

  • Lacerations:

Depending on the laceration location and the depth to which it went, this type of injury is most likely to have lasting and painful consequences.

  • Amputations:

Sometimes the forces of high-impact accidents may have some lifelong repercussions on the body of the victim. These include the amputation of limbs such as toe, finger, leg, and arm.

  • Emotional Trauma:

Not all injuries are physical. Even if the victim doesn’t sustain permanent physical injuries, the chances of emotional trauma are quite evident. It can be a traumatic experience of being struck by a vehicle, which may be challenging to cope up.

  • Death:

Pedestrians struck by a vehicle have high death risks. It is the cause of not only the sheer vehicle size but lack of pedestrian protections also. There were around 4,735 pedestrian deaths in 2013, as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.

The pedestrian injury depends upon the area hit and the car’s speed. He/she may either fall on the ground or be hit by some object like a building, some other vehicle, or into the windshield of the car or into the hood.

A pedestrian, if hit by a car traveling 15 miles per hour isn’t likely to sustain fatal injuries. However, being hit by a faster car has the possibility of severe injuries and the chances of death also increase. Lower extremity injuries can result in long-term mobility problems, and can be life-threatening.

How to keep pedestrians safe? Some Tips!

One of the best things for keeping pedestrians safe is following the laws. Florida statutes have some rules that one needs to abide for becoming a responsible pedestrian. These are:

  • Obey traffic controls to the best of your ability unless a police officer directs you to something else.
  • Pedestrians don’t have the permissions to walk or run onto the vehicle path.
  • The sidewalk must find its usage, if available.
  • Pedestrians must enter crossroads only at a right angle.
  • Pedestrians have the right of way whenever moving in a crosswalk.

What are the legal options available after an accident?

Injured pedestrians have the path of recovering by reaching out to qualified doctors and injury lawyers. Obviously, experienced doctors will help you to recover soon. As per the experts at georgiatrialfirm.com with experienced lawyers on your side, you can enjoy the bliss of catering to your pedestrian accident cases as soon as possible and determine the options and rights for pursuing a legal option.

After all, it’s all about more in-depth understanding and better case solutions!

Thinking of expanding your business? Here’s how you can!

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Business Loans|Thinking of expanding your business? Here’s how you can!Have you heard the popular saying, “You have to spend money to make money”? It means if you want to expand your business, you need to invest in different marketing and other strategies.

However, with the concerns over the current growth rate, how can you push your company towards the growth phase? Well! By looking at the plethora of options that offer business loans at attractive rates.

But what about it? Let’s find out more!

It is a type of finance option that you can opt for if you are thinking of expanding your enterprise. These are also called commercial loans.

Why is it an attractive choice for your business? Read further to know!

Manages working capital – These loans come as the best solution to fulfill your working capital requirements and further grow your enterprise. When you face hard times in the commercial world, it is the way out to maintain the cash-flow. This can also help in covering short-term expenses. As the economy is changing rapidly, these loans help in strengthening your financial stability.

Flexibility – As per your financial need, you apply for this loan. For instance – you can opt for either a long-term or short-term loan. Basically, short-term loans are the ones that are given for up to a year, while long-term ones are given for more than 5 years.

After you get one, the lenders are not bothered about how you are running your venture. They want the timely repayment of their amount. Therefore, the owners find it easier to avail it as it gives them full control over how they are spending their funds.

No collateral needed – If you properly meet the eligibility criteria of this loan, congrats! You can get it without collateral, provided that you must own a property or land.

Improve your business credit – Acquiring this loan improves the creditworthiness of your enterprise. Ensure that you are making timely repayments. This will improve your financial score. In the future, this will further lead you to get more financing at lower interest rates.

You can also acquire a business credit card to improve the credit score. Regularly paying the bills through it helps build a positive credit history that will be fruitful for your enterprise. According to the financial experts at nav.com, choosing the card with a 0% introductory rate offer is suggested.

Profit is not shared – In case you have an investor on board, you will have to share the profits. But with this loan, a fixed amount is paid to the lender. This means the principal and interest amount does not change, no matter how much profit your enterprise is making.

Quick distribution – These advances do not require a lot of documents. Funds are quickly distributed. This ensures that a company does not have to stop its operations or change its growth plans while waiting for the funds.

Affordable rates of interest – The corporate world is ever-changing. There is a cut-throat competition to gain customers. Taking this into account, lenders offer such credits at a reasonable rate of interest. Some other factors that are also taken into consideration are – tenure or the financial condition of the enterprise.

Wrapping up
Expanding your enterprise takes a lot of hard work and determination. Also, you need to check the finances before thinking of doing the same. But with some solutions, you can be successful and take your enterprise to new heights!

Getting Your Office Space Ready for Staff Members’ Return

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StrategyDriven Managing Your People Article |Pandemic|Getting Your Office Space Ready for Staff Members' ReturnThe coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic has seen many businesses switch to working on a remote basis. This has been extremely useful in terms of slowing the spread of the virus and keeping staff members as well as possible. Now, many businesses have found that remote working has actually been completely fine for their business. Staff have managed to stay just as productive and video call software has meant we’ve all been able to keep in touch for events such as meetings that would usually be carried out on a face to face basis. It’s not all too surprising, then, that many businesses have decided to remain permanently remote. It cuts out office costs and other overheads, making businesses more cost effective. However, some business owners are still eager for the return to the office. They like having a set environment where staff must turn up, act professionally and can get their work done while being overseen by management.

If you fall into the latter category, you may be anticipating a return to the office at some point this year, as vaccines are being rolled out and as we are getting ready for a return to life as usual. Here are a few things you can do to get your office space ready!

Deep Clean

If your office has been uninhabited for a year or so now, you’re going to have to conduct a deep clean before your staff head back in. Not only will this make sure that your office space is sparkling and bright for when everyone gets back to work, but it will ensure that staff can feel that it’s Covid safe and secure too. Generally speaking, the best option is to use professional commercial cleaning services, which will get the job done to the highest standard.

Redecorating

The office can feel a bit drab. You want staff to feel glad to be back to work. So, why not add a fresh coat of paint to the walls and make things look nicer for their return? This will boost staff happiness and maximise productivity. Again, this job is often best left to the professionals, so make sure to use a Commercial Painting Company.

Implement Covid Safety Measures

Sure, staff may be able to return to work soon. But this doesn’t mean that Covid is necessarily going to just disappear. You need to make sure that you implement Covid safety measures in the space still. This is important for general hygiene and to make staff feel comfortable too. Make sure that there are screens between desks where staff have to work in close proximity to one another. Make sure that there are plenty of hand sanitiser dispensers available. Make sure that staff have masks and that they wear them when walking around the office.

These, of course, are just a few suggestions to get the ball rolling. There are all sorts of other steps that you can take to get your office space ready for staff members’ return. Hopefully, some of the advice will be able to help you and will prove useful!